Trick of the Light (The Who song)

"Trick of the Light" is a song written by bassist John Entwistle for The Who's eighth studio album, Who Are You. The lyrics describe fear of being sexually inadequate in the face of a prostitute. It features a guitar-like assault throughout the song, described by Pete Townshend as sounding like "a musical Mac truck" and is actually Entwistle's heavily distorted eight-string Alembic bass. It was performed occasionally on The Who's 1979 tour with Entwistle on eight-string and Townshend playing one of Entwistle's Alembic basses used on the 1975-1976 tours. It made its return to the setlist in 1989, with Townshend originally on electric guitar on the two Toronto dates in June and acoustic guitar for the rest of the tour. It was disliked by Roger Daltrey, who thought that although it had clever lyrics, it was too long. On the original recording and in its 1979/1980 performances, Daltrey sang the lead vocal; in 1989 Entwistle sang it.

Trick of the Light

Wide awake in the middle of the nightI wonder how she's feelin'Is it just a trick of the lightOr is her ceiling peeling?She's sitting up in bed, shakin' her headAt a copy of "True Confessions"Ooh, it must seem like a fairy taleTo a woman of her professionBut was I all right? (was I all right?)Did I take you to the height of ecstasy?Was I all right? (was I all right?)Did a shadow of emotion cross your faceOr was it just another trick of the light?But was I all right? (was I all right?)Did I take you to the height of ecstasy?Was I all right? (was I all right?)Did a shadow of emotion cross your faceOr was it just another trick of the light?Come on, tell meWhat's a nice girl like you doin' in a place like this?They don't make girls like you no moreAnd I'd like to get to know youOn closer terms than thisBut I guess you've heard it all beforeLady of the nightWon't you steal away with me?Lady of the nightWon't you steal away with me?The money's lyin' on the floor, she looks at meShakes her head and sighsOut of time, out the doorRed light shinin' in my eyesBut was I all right? (was I all right?)Did I take you to the height of ecstasy?Was I all right? (was I all right?)Did a shadow of emotion cross your faceAll right?But was I all right?All right?